BEMIDJI, Minn. – Local residents, motorists and others in
Kittson, Marshall and Polk counties may see smoke from roadside controlled
burns. The prescribed fires are controlled by trained crews and conducted
within MnDOT rights of way during optimal weather conditions to ensure safety
and effectiveness.
Traffic should not be affected and all roadways and trails
will remain open. When weather conditions allow the prescribed burns will take
place in the following locations:
· Highway
59 from Halma to Lake Bronson
· Highway
75 from Stephen to Warren
· Highway
75 north of Crookston
· Highway
75 southwest of Crookston
The fires are used to improve native vegetation and weed
control.
“While fire has some effects on weed and brush control,”
said Ken Graeve, MnDOT Roadside Vegetation Management Unit. “Its primary
benefit lies in creating healthier roadside vegetation that is better able to
perform its roadside functions, including soil stabilization, storm water
management, resistance to weed invasion, and blowing snow control in some
situations.”
For more information on MnDOT’s prescribed fire vegetation
management program, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/roadsides/vegetation/fire.html.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists
to always drive with caution and slowdown in work zones.
